JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Abinanti, Rogowsky and Maisano,
COD
MEMBERS: Swanson, Chair, Pinto, Bronz, LaMotte, Spreckman, and Young
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano, David Simpson,
GUESTS: Liz Salvi (Law), William Randolph (CEO), Keith Eddings (Journal News), Susan Gerry (Law), Andrew Newman (CEO), Evan Podob (Law)
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 11:59 a.m.
Legislator Swanson, Chairwoman for Committee on Officers and Departments along with Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins opened the joint committee on Legislation/COD. Chair Stewart-Cousins introduced proposed legislation to change the way A. &C. works. The legislation had been worked on by COD, the committee that served as the lead in addressing A. & C. reform. To discuss the proposed Legislation, Chair Stewart-Cousins welcomed Susan Gerry of the Co. Attorney’s office.
Ms. Gerry explained that the proposed changes included changes in the A. &C. board composition, criminal provisions, meetings and schedules, electronic recordings of meetings, resolutions, agenda items, power, rules, emergency contracts and emergency contract policy. Because of the broad proposed changes, a referendum would be required. If passed, the law would take effect on 1/1/03.
Questions arose on what constitutes an emergency situation and a time frame for the declaration of an emergency. It was explained that there were emergency situations and on-call emergency services, which are not done under emergency procedures. The definition of emergency, what constitutes an “event,” what happens next and within what time-period was discussed at length? Most agreed that a declaration of emergency should occur within some reasonable amount of time. How the list of emergency contractors is used was also discussed.
Chair Stewart-Cousins asked Legislator Abinanti to work with the County Attorney to come up with language, for the approval of both committees, which would create a definitive time frame for the declaration of an emergency.
Execution of contracts and the bidding process were then discussed as were annual rule making and whether this process should require a majority or unanimous vote. After lengthy discussion the committees agreed to recess to until 3:15. Motions by Legislators Rogowsky and Bronz moved committee to recess.
The joint committee on Legislation/COD reconvened at 3:29 pm. Chairs Stewart-Cousins and Swanson welcomed the committee back and heard Andrew Neuman’s concerns, on behalf of the administration about the legislators having jurisdiction over rules of the A. & C. board.
After a series of polls conducted among committee members by respective Chairs Swanson and Stewart-Cousins both committees signed out legislation that A. & C. rules would be changed by majority of the board.
Legislator Rogowsky made a motion, Chair Bronz seconded, all in favor: signed without prejudice by Legislators Abinanti and Maisano.
Motion to be moved for all purposes with changes by the co. atty. For COD, motion by Legislators Spreckman and LaMotte all in favor. Signed without prejudice by Legislator Pinto.
Motion to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. by Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky.